Should I? or should I not?

[Spring]

After much research and reading many books with raising dog, I've concluded that I have the best possible environment/long-term commitment necessary to accept a new friend into my life.

It's not easy, it requires a very consistent and free lifestyle in order to provide the best for the pet in return for many happy years of pleasure together. Many irresponsible pet owner don't have a detailed plan, in fact I'd be surprised if they have any plan at all in bringing a new life into their family. In effect, we have countless dogs in needs for the long-term "perfect home" which is rare.

Thankfully it seems that everyone in this forum carries good heart and respect for animals.

Because of that, I'm sure many of you are very knowledgeable in the process of acquiring a pet.

I would like some support and advice from you guys. I deeply appreciate your time with all my heart and respect. Thank you.

I currently reside in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I am seeking for a long-term companion for another 13 years minimum. I am confident that the lifespan would be even higher under my care and guidance.

I am no supporter of puppymill or any irresponsible people who blind their soul to make a profit in the misery of other life form. but the options are so narrow...

I have search numerously for adopting my ideal pet and have had no luck.
I really want to support some of those rescue dog in needs, but I am not in the position to accept a friend passing away from me in that short while of time. Therefore I am seeking to raise a baby puppy from start. I am very suited for such responsibility as I work at home due to my profession. That is also the reason for a companion. I just can't seem to find the puppy I'm after for.

I am seeking to adopt a healthy baby puppy, a new born would be excellent, preferably a Golden Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog. I am willing to pay for all the air cost to transfer the little guy to my area if necessary. I live in the area Vancouver, BC, Canada, but if possible it is best to have one from my local area so I can drive and meet the person responsible for taking care of them.

I want to give my all and my best to this perfect friend, so I cannot accept any health disorder due to genetic issues. I want a very healthy friend so that I can raise him in best possible condition, both physically and mentally under best health.


Do you think it is even possible to find such opportunity for me? Especially from where I am located?

I've read this http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=6806 and I really don't want to get caught in these adoption nightmares and it seems to me like adopting a friend is really difficult and finding the type I described is almost "impossible like"

But no matter what I'm going to get one that fits my ideal description which I described earlier. I hate to turn to puppymills for solution and that is why I need your help to help me find the alternative solution besides puppymill.

I mean is there anything thats legimate like a respectable breeder for me? Or in my area or willing to transfer to my area?

I came across some classified ads in which I believe are puppymills and I hate to buy it off from them. It is not right, I'm willing to wait a bit if necessary and come across the perfect friend I have long for.

If you guys know or think you can help me, please let me know, reply here or e-mail me at chinf@telus.net and I can provide a detail plan about the environment that I can provide for the little guy as well as all the information necessary for adoption, etc.

I just want to pursue all possible solution before turning to the disgusting rotten mills that labour animals for ones personal gain.

I wish I wasn't as limited.

Thank you all for your help!

[glasslass]

Good for you for planning in advance for your little friend and for doing your homework. In all honesty, I think the majority of your limitations are ones that you yourself are imposing. There is no absolute guarantee that any puppy will turn into the "perfect pet" that you are seeking. When you do find a puppy, it will be you who will train, shape and guide this little lump of love into the ideal pet. Puppies are flesh and blood with little personalities. They can be naughty and mischievious. Den-Den had me in tears many times when he was a puppy. But that is all part of the joy too. He's not perfect, but he is to me. I suggest taking a little additional preparation. Do a little volunteering at a local pet rescue. Talk with several veterinarians. They are in a position to know of available puppies or young dogs that need a home. Allow yourself the flexibility to be able to recognize if the right one should become available, even if not exactly what you specified. Keep your heart open.

[Spring]

Originally Posted by glasslass

Good for you for planning in advance for your little friend and for doing your homework. In all honesty, I think the majority of your limitations are ones that you yourself are imposing. There is no absolute guarantee that any puppy will turn into the "perfect pet" that you are seeking. When you do find a puppy, it will be you who will train, shape and guide this little lump of love into the ideal pet. Puppies are flesh and blood with little personalities. They can be naughty and mischievious. Den-Den had me in tears many times when he was a puppy. But that is all part of the joy too. He's not perfect, but he is to me. I suggest taking a little additional preparation. Do a little volunteering at a local pet rescue. Talk with several veterinarians. They are in a position to know of available puppies or young dogs that need a home. Allow yourself the flexibility to be able to recognize if the right one should become available, even if not exactly what you specified. Keep your heart open.

Thanks for your reply, I do know how to train them, when I mean "perfect pet" I mean that they are perfect from the moment that they're born. I don't care if they make mistakes, in my eyes they are still perfect, it is us who needs the responsibility to inform them of the rules of our surrounding.

So with all respect, I am seeking for a "perfect pet" thats perfectly healthy and new born, thats my ideal pet. Sorry for any confusion, since we all have different defintion to perfection, and I'm sorry for misleading you into thinking I demand the best without willing to put any into shaping it.

[.unknown.]

New born? are you suggesting you would bottle feed it?

Because that's not good. Babies need their mothers milk in the first weeks of life to build immunity. If they don't, they're lives are at great risk. It can be done in situations where the mother is not capable of caring for pups, but if the mom is there...then it's no question.

I hope that's not what you mean

[heeler's rock!]

I also would like to know what you mean when you say "new born". Pups need to socialize for at least 8 weeks with the mother and other pups so they don't develop social issues. Please don't get a pup less than 8 weeks old. That is also another sign of a disreputable breeder.....

[lilpaws]

I wish you luck finding your new friend. I believe that everyone here loves pets as much as you. It's great to love these family members but I am a bit concerned that you may expect too much from your "new born". There is no such thing as the "perfect" pet and there is no such thing as the "perfect" home. We just do our best showering these friends with love, affection and very importantly guidance. It is really nice to see that you have put so much thought before adopting. We live in a spontaneous world (hence credit card debt) and more ppl should take the time before such a life altering decision. All the best.

[LL1]

You don't need to adopt a senior dog if you are looking for a young dog (although I adore seniors). There are all kinds of young dogs in rescue, by limiting yourself to 8 week old pups you are really missing out on a lot of wonderful rescue dogs. Also age is no guarantee of a long life, I know many people who have lost very young dogs to cancer and bloat among just a few things.

Originally Posted by Spring

I really want to support some of those rescue dog in needs, but I am not in the position to accept a friend passing away from me in that short while of time. Therefore I am seeking to raise a baby puppy from start.

[mastifflover]

Adopting a dog that is in the age range of 1-4 is not that old for a dog and will have many years to give you. I personally love puppies but if and when I get another dog it will be another rescue these dogs prove how wonderful they are over and over again. I really believe when these dogs become part of your family they will give their lives to protect you. I think it is because they have known awful lives before and really know how good they have it in their new homes and appreciate everyone and every minute of it.

[Spring]

Thanks for all your reply,

By new born I mean at least 7 weeks.

As for your concern regarding "perfect" pet, I thought I already clarify this.
Read my second post.

As for "perfect" home, there is a perfect home, and thats to responsibly provide the best to your friend. Loving your pet is one thing, but ability is another. I would put "perfect" as in both.

[Lucky Rescue]

Also age is no guarantee of a long life,

So true, especially for puppies who come from mills and backyard breeders. They can have all kinds of genetic defects which may shorten their lives. Some small breeds can live for 17+ years, so a 3 yr old is very young.

Are you looking for a particular breed?

[Spring]

Originally Posted by LL1

You don't need to adopt a senior dog if you are looking for a young dog (although I adore seniors). There are all kinds of young dogs in rescue, by limiting yourself to 8 week old pups you are really missing out on a lot of wonderful rescue dogs. Also age is no guarantee of a long life, I know many people who have lost very young dogs to cancer and bloat among just a few things.

Thanks for your opinion.

That is the main reason why I want a new born[ 7-8 weeks] because if they're mistreated they could develop health issues beyond my control. I am worry that the older dogs I adopt are abused by former owner who haven't taken the proper education in raising and handling their friend. If you really love your friend, I don't see how someone can give them up. Even if it's emergency situation. I'm not saying thats the case for all owners, but it's a mixed issue.

I do realize that some new born may develop genetic health problems due to poor breeder and handling, that is why when I try to seek for one to adopt, I go through heavy screening to ensure the breeder is responsible. I also demand for health certification as a form of assurance.


Can anyone help me find the proper source to adopt a friend?

Thanks!

[jackieb]

There are somtimes young puppies in the rescues but i wouldnt have thought they could tell you all there health history just what they have had done to them while they have been in the rescue.

Another option for you might be to buy from a breeder if you want a health certificate but do your research into the different breeds and get a good breeder phone the rescue organisations for that breed i have done this for the dog i am looking for.

I know as kids we always had rescue dogs and they were always ok never had health problems. Now we purchased a mastiff puppy we had the injection fees worming etc to keep the dog at his best also neutering fees etc this is all worth thinking about i dont know how much vets are in Canada as i havent been yet but in England they were very expensive.

Some dogs in rescue arent abused dogs some people get rid of there dogs when they move or have children etc i wouldnt do this but it happens .

[jackieb]

i purchased a mastiff puppy 5 years ago we now seeking another but we had quite a few vet bills with this dog and he was a peidree puppy

[Spring]

Originally Posted by jackieb

Some dogs in rescue arent abused dogs some people get rid of there dogs when they move or have children etc i wouldnt do this but it happens .

Hey! Thanks for your reply

I think it is cruel enough to abandon a friend, and it is cruel, when they're depressed and constantly unhappy because of that, it affects their health and life span... So to me thats already a form of abuse. Which is worst? A owner who bad mouth the dog,etc or a owner who shown great love then took that away?

I think the latter one is more worst simply because the dog would have no problem forgetting and even disliking that owner who mistreat them. But for dogs who are abandoned, from the second description, they would always think about their happy memories, they would alwyas miss them, depress and wonder why they could not live in their past. That creates a health issue over time, and thats why you see so many depressed dogs. Many of these dogs could never be satisfied again becuase the new owner just isn't the old one, so they're still unhappy and have an emptiness in them that no one could fulfill but their original master.

I seen it happen, on the good side I've also seen dogs who live happily again and forget about the past.

I guess it really depends on individuals.

[LL1]

Even with good breeding genetic problems can and do happen. If health is the biggest concern, I would go with an adult, pups, regardless of where they come from, are a crapshoot. And health guarantees mean a couple different things, generally they do not mean you will get financial help with a problem, often they mean they will send you another dog, which may also have health problems, and sometimes they will only do that after you have returned the dog that has been your cherished companion since purchase. How many people would do that? Not many, and they know that.

I run a rescue and we have had very few serious health issues with the dogs. My friends tho who have bought from breeders who are respected have had no end of issues. Again, no guarantee. You said you want help with adopting, do you mean adopting, or buying from a breeder?

Originally Posted by Spring

I do realize that some new born may develop genetic health problems due to poor breeder and handling, that is why when I try to seek for one to adopt, I go through heavy screening to ensure the breeder is responsible. I also demand for health certification as a form of assurance.


Can anyone help me find the proper source to adopt a friend?

Thanks!

[Spring]

Hi LLI

Thanks for your reply!

I want to adopt one, but my concerns with adoption are heavy.

I do not need financial help in any form for the wellness of my dog, so that isn't an issue for me, thankfully

My moral do not permit me to buy one when there are lots of dogs in needs of what I can offer.

I want to turn buying as a last resort, so I am seeking to adopt a small healthy baby.

I want alternative solution besides purchasing from "puppymill"

I am in need of opinion and advice thats why I turn to this forum.

Thank you all for your kind response.

[Spring]

Originally Posted by LuckyRescue

Are you looking for a particular breed?

Thanks LuckyRescue
This is what I'm looking for:

I am seeking to adopt a healthy baby puppy, a new born would be excellent, preferably a Golden Retriever or a Shetland Sheepdog. I am willing to pay for all the air cost to transfer the little guy to my area if necessary. I live in the area Vancouver, BC, Canada, but if possible it is best to have one from my local area so I can drive and meet the person responsible for taking care of them.

"note" when I mean new-born I am saying at least 7 weeks old. Most people assume I meant "just born" which is not what I meant, besides it would be impossible to transfer any animal thats under 8 weeks by law. The reason I use the term "new-born" is because on petfinder they listed many "baby" which could be confusing to people as many of those baby are quite big in size and difficult to transfer if required. Those baby are well past 8 weeks, some are even 5-6 months. So it could be misleading and thats why I used the term "new-born" thanks for your understanding, sorry for the confusion.

[lilith_rizel]

I do gree that age doesn't determin how long a dog will live. I have seen dogs that have lived for 15+ years, and others, only lived to be a year or 2. Adopting a puppy, doesn't mean that it is going to live the expected life age. Any dog could have an illnes that is not detectable. I enjoy getting dogs that are a year or so old. That way I feel that there hasn't been any serious health issues that have arised yet.
When I was little, my parents had gotten a poodle mix pup, and she lived with us for only about 5 years before she started getting ill. I can't remember what is was, but she had to be put down, to stop her suffering.
We also had a great dane, we bought when he was 5 years of age. We had to put him to sleep about 5 years later due to hip displacement. The vet said that he lived a long time being that he weighed about 200 pounds, and he was fairly larger than other danes. He was actually suprised that he made it past 8 years of age.
My point is, getting a puppy, doesn't say that it will live past 5 years, and doesn't say it won't. Sometimes it is better to get a dog that is a couple years old.

[Required_Fields]

You exhibit an extremely unhealthy attitude. How do you know that under your care this dog will live a long life? This is a ridiculous expectation or assumption. What if your dog has behavioural problems, or develops a debilitating disease at an early age? You seem to be very judgemental of others but don't seem to be reasonable yourself. Good luck finding the " perfect puppy" ....

[Spring]

Originally Posted by Required_Fields

You exhibit an extremely unhealthy attitude. How do you know that under your care this dog will live a long life? This is a ridiculous expectation or assumption. What if your dog has behavioural problems, or develops a debilitating disease at an early age? You seem to be very judgemental of others but don't seem to be reasonable yourself. Good luck finding the " perfect puppy" ....

I don't appreciate your negative remark.

I know that under my care that the dog will live a long life simply because I've done a lot of preparation and responsible measurements to ensure that.

You do not know me, nor do I know you. if you read a lot of books, you'll realize that most problems are created by our direct influence, so behavioural problems is not just genetic as most people think, it's by our action and impact. I hope you are more "constructive" in your negativity.

Thank you.

"edit" more over it seems that you do not have any rights to put down on me

"Required_Fields
Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 2

Owners wake up

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My 36 lbs. dog was recently attacked and bit by a husky, and earlier this year attacked and bit by..yes... a pitbull.

In both cases I blame the owners for extremely irresponsible ownership. "

Your quote of what you said to me applies most to people like you. All you do is blame people and attack people, maybe if you were more careful about your dog engaging with other dogs or speaking to the owner of the other dog before letting your dog approach in close distance, such incident wouldn't happen?

Once again, your attack applies to yourself...

Please cut down on the hatred.

Lighten up, I know that you love your dog a lot and that it's really unfortunate that he got attacked twice, but you should not excercise your personal ego onto someone else. I've had friend's who gave his dog to another person when he went on vacation, but and didn't make a CLEAR RULE LIST to his friend, he wasn't superstrict about it, then that friend of his let his sister take his dog out for a walk, but without a leash and got ran over by a car. He regreted terribly that he didn't do everything possible to prevent such incident, I know that sometimes things are unexpected and it does happen. But if we take more of a solid approach to these things, then these issues would not surface. Especially if you provide proper training. How many times have you heard about a police dog getting run over by a car? I doubt you heard about it compare to the amount of regular owners who lost their dog from car accident... It is unreasonable to say you can't assume a certain lifespan of years, that just show that YOU want things to happen and not doing the best of your ability to prevent it. Theres a difference between having fun and being super strict. I believe if you're super strict on many rules many times these accident could be prevented. More over, it is unfair for you to put down on other people like me because of your negative experience. Not everyone are like you... We are different people, we may all have equal love for the animal, but I doubt we all have equal abilities....

[Spring]

Originally Posted by lilith_rizel

I do gree that age doesn't determin how long a dog will live. I have seen dogs that have lived for 15+ years, and others, only lived to be a year or 2. Adopting a puppy, doesn't mean that it is going to live the expected life age. Any dog could have an illnes that is not detectable. I enjoy getting dogs that are a year or so old. That way I feel that there hasn't been any serious health issues that have arised yet.
When I was little, my parents had gotten a poodle mix pup, and she lived with us for only about 5 years before she started getting ill. I can't remember what is was, but she had to be put down, to stop her suffering.
We also had a great dane, we bought when he was 5 years of age. We had to put him to sleep about 5 years later due to hip displacement. The vet said that he lived a long time being that he weighed about 200 pounds, and he was fairly larger than other danes. He was actually suprised that he made it past 8 years of age.
My point is, getting a puppy, doesn't say that it will live past 5 years, and doesn't say it won't. Sometimes it is better to get a dog that is a couple years old.

It is irresponsible to say that adopting a puppy doesn't mean that you can't expect an estimated lifespan.

If you are responsible, you can expect a estimated lifespan, by making sure he is actively healthy, by paying close attention to diet, excercise and generally how you take care of him. Many "accident" and death related concerns CAN be prevented if we are extremely careful and thoughtful.

[Spring]

I ask for advice in adoption, and I haven't had one single direct response thats helping me to find the pet for my area.

This is a big discouragement and it is the reason why people turn to puppymills. Because it is "hassel free"

Don't get me wrong, it is not a big hassel for me, it's just stressful that people seem to be more on the attacking side than helping side. Maybe im not super clear on some points, if so I am truly sorry.

Thank you

[LL1]

Go to www.petfinder.com and punch in your location and what you are looking for and dogs will come up.

[LL1]

No - you can't - that's unrealistic and unfair to those responsible people who have lost dogs at very young ages to cancer and bloat and other ailments.

Originally Posted by Spring

If you are responsible, you can expect a estimated lifespan, by making sure he is actively healthy, by paying close attention to diet, excercise and generally how you take care of him.

[LL1]

That is so bizarre I can not believe you seriously believe that.

Originally Posted by Spring

I know that under my care that the dog will live a long life simply because I've done a lot of preparation and responsible measurements to ensure that.

[tyr]

Originally Posted by Spring

I think the latter one is more worst simply because the dog would have no problem forgetting and even disliking that owner who mistreat them. But for dogs who are abandoned, from the second description, they would always think about their happy memories, they would alwyas miss them, depress and wonder why they could not live in their past. That creates a health issue over time, and thats why you see so many depressed dogs. Many of these dogs could never be satisfied again becuase the new owner just isn't the old one, so they're still unhappy and have an emptiness in them that no one could fulfill but their original master.

I think that it is great that you have put so much thought and planning into owning a new pet! On the flip side of this though, I think you may be putting TOO much thought into the whole thing. You have over looked some really great places to get a wonderful, perfect pet for you based on myths. As well, I think physical abuse of an animal is much worse than having to give up a much loved pet. It is just as hard for an owner to give up a long time friend as it is for the pet - both feel much hurt and loss. Though, there are owners who just give up a pet for really stupid reasons - but the pet can still be extremely amazing for someone else. I have a cat that I adopted from the shelter here in Ottawa 2 years ago. He was 10 then and went through some ordeals due to breakup of him and his owner. The owner was moving and was forced to leave his much loved friend behind. Jesse (cat) had to be put into foster care because he started to go downhill. The owner checked up on him through email with the foster mom for quite a while until it became to difficult. Everyone thought Jesse would die, but he came through. He was put back into the adoption room at the shelter and the next day my husband and I went in, saw him, and fell in love. The foster mom was surprised, she thought that he would never find a home because of his age and hardships. Now Jesse and I are inseperable. I believe him to be happier than he ever has. I think all the time about what a horrid thing it would have been to pass off this beautiful pet due to his age and illness. He was still special needs at the time. Now he is healthier than ever. The vet is always astounded by how healthy he is. The first time I took him they thought he was much younger than 10.

Anyway, I just think you should keep your heart open. You do not always find the pet, most often the pet finds you. If you do not discriminate or let those awful myths get in the way you WILL find your perfect friend - sooner than later.

[Spring]

All I have to say is igorance is bliss.


This is a difference of opinion.

It is easy to say that you are responsible and you tried your best, etc...

If you adopted a healthy pet from the beginning, what makes you think that the dog will naturally die suddenly?

When I mean healthy, it means that the dog have a HISTORY of healthy long-lasting age, and you know that by checking their origin, their family, health of parents, etc. Especially if it comes with a very top breeder.

Are you telling me that I can't expect a long life and I don't have the right to expect a long life off from my friend? Eventhough I know that one of my family member is a vet and can always provide the best healthy measurement? Just because I didn't say all that doesn't mean I don't know myself well enough...

If you can't expect a long life pet, why do you think there are so many senior dogs?

I think it is unfair to say that "No you can't assume this and that because you are stupid if you think so" It's a difference of opinion.

I'm not saying that im superior and others not. I'm just stating a fact because I know myself well enough to support it.

[tyr]

Wow! So much conversing has gone on since I started writing my 2 cents worth!!!! Please do not miss my previous post!

[Spring]

Hey tyr!

Thank you so much for your kind response and encouragement.

It really means a lot to me. Thank you.

I think that people should put a lot of thought into the future before adopting a companion, because it's like giving birth to a child. Are you going to abandon your son? Certainly not, so it is a responsibility that people should not take likely. They can't say "Oh I want a pet now" and be inconsiderate to the animal. When people send pets to the pound, they're not helping, they may think that "im helping other people and the pet" so that other people can have a chance of this great pet. But they don't realize that the pain the pet goes through during the pound is far more greater than the days of joy with the new master. I've had friends who adopted dogs that are like that. Not all dogs are like that, but certainly we are putting them in pain from the moment we abandon them. Why not have it a smooth line instead of a line that has one down?

Thats just my opinion though

[Spring]

Before I didn't know anything about puppymill, but my relative who is a local vet in my area told me not to buy one and told me to look for one to adopt. And thats when I started researching about adopting one. The breed im looking for is rare in my area. I've looked up petfinder before coming to this forum, and believe me I've searched MANY places to adopt one and had no luck with finding one for my area. Thats why I turn to this forum for advice.